Fire at Pleasanton Construction Site Causes $450,000 Damage, Likely Accidental

A one-alarm fire at Valley and Bernal Avenues in Pleasanton destroyed two homes under construction in a new subdivision this morning and damaged two others, according to fire officials. The fire in a planned new subdivision on Valley just south of Bernal was reported at 2:04 a.m. after several drivers on Interstate Highway 680 spotted the flames, according to Battalion Chief Joe Testa.

Firefighters found two two-story homes well involved in flames and two three-story homes behind them starting to catch fire, Testa said. Firefighters were able to save most of the three-story homes, although they sustained some damage on the side facing the fire, but the two-story homes were a total loss, Testa said.

“The homes were in the final phases of exterior construction and being prepared for interior work when the fire took place,” Testa said. “The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department estimates the loss from this fire at $450,000. The LPFD is partnering with the Pleasanton Police Department in the investigation of this fire. A specific cause has yet to be determined, but it appears that the fire was accidental.”

Testa said, “Early in the incident, firefighters were challenged by the hydrants on the construction site not having water to them. Water was brought in approximately 600’ from hydrants on Valley Avenue.”

Firefighters remain on the scene, as the homes are still smoldering and unsafe. The developer will need to bulldoze the destroyed homes, which were among the first to be constructed on the site.

Testa said the homes ranged in size from 2,500 to 3,000 square feet.

By Bay City News and Autumn Johnson

Photo courtesy: Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department